Citizens switch suits Vieira

07 January 2010 10:32

Veteran former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira is heading to Manchester City to try and secure regular first-team football to ensure his selection for France's squad for the World Cup finals.
The 33-year-old has become frustrated by a lack of opportunities at Internazionale and is set to join the Citizens on an 18-month deal, linking up with former San Siro tactician Roberto Mancini.
Vieira explained his reasons for heading to Eastlands, telling Canal Plus: "I want to go to the World Cup and I need playing time.
"I have objectives and I can't achieve them by staying at Inter where I am not part of the coach's choice.
"What's important for me is to go to Manchester City, to show the coach that I am the same as I was during the period when he was at Inter. All this will help me get into the France team."
Inter head coach Jose Mourinho had signalled Vieira's imminent exit following the 1-0 Serie A win over Chievo on Wednesday.
He commented: "I should give a special mention to Vieira, who certainly played his last game with us. We should thank him for what he has done.
"It was the perfect farewell to us and I want to wish him all the best for his new career."